Some websites can be installed on a computer as a Progressive Web App (PWA). Once installed, the website behaves like a desktop application. It gets its own icon, opens in its own window without browser tabs or an address bar, and can be pinned to the taskbar, Start menu, or Dock. The steps below cover how to install a PWA using either Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome, using Outlook and Claude as examples.

What is a Progressive Web App (PWA)?

A Progressive Web App is a website that has been built to also run as a standalone application on a computer or mobile device. Instead of opening the site in a browser tab, the PWA opens in its own dedicated window, much like a traditional installed application. Common benefits include:

• A dedicated application window without browser tabs, bookmarks bar, or address bar.
• A shortcut on the desktop, taskbar, Start menu, or Dock for one-click access.
• Faster access without needing to open a browser and type the URL each time.
• Support for desktop notifications and, in some cases, limited offline access.

How do I install a PWA using Microsoft Edge?

The steps below show how to install Outlook and Claude as PWAs using Microsoft Edge. The same steps apply to any other PWA-enabled website.

1. Open Microsoft Edge.
2. Navigate to the website to be installed. For example, go to Outlook on the web or Claude.
3. Sign in to the website if prompted.
4. Click the Settings and more menu (the three-dot icon in the top-right corner of the browser window).
5. Hover over More tools, then Apps. On some versions of Edge, Apps appears directly in the main menu.

6. Click Install this site as an app.

   Note: If the website is a PWA, this option shows the app's name instead (for example, Install Outlook).

7. In the dialog that appears, confirm or edit the application name, then click Install.

8. After installation, Edge will display a follow-up dialog with options to pin the app to the taskbar, pin to Start, create a desktop shortcut, and allow the app to start automatically on device sign-in. Select the preferred options and click Allow.

   Note: If this dialog was closed or skipped, go to edge://apps, click Details on the app's card, and select Pin to taskbar, Pin to Start, or Create Desktop shortcut, or turn on Auto-start on device login.

9. The PWA will open in its own window and is now installed.

Alternative: When visiting a PWA-enabled site, an install icon (a small monitor with a down arrow) appears at the right side of the Edge address bar. Click this icon and then click Install to launch the same install dialog described above.

How do I install a PWA using Google Chrome?

The steps below show how to install Outlook and Claude as PWAs using Google Chrome.

1. Open Google Chrome.
2. Navigate to the website to be installed. For example, go to Outlook on the web or Claude.
3. Sign in to the website if prompted.
4. Click the Customize and control Google Chrome menu (the three-dot icon in the top-right corner of the browser window).
5. Hover over Cast, save, and share.

6. Click Install page as app….

   Note: If the website is a PWA, this option shows the app's name instead (for example, Install Outlook…).

7. In the dialog that appears, confirm or edit the application name, then click Install.
8. The PWA will open in its own window. Chrome typically adds the app to the Start menu (Windows) or Applications folder (macOS).

Alternative: When visiting a PWA-enabled site, an install icon (a small monitor with a down arrow) appears at the right side of the Chrome address bar. Click this icon and then click Install.

How do I manage or uninstall an installed PWA?

Installed PWAs can be managed or removed from either the application itself or from a browser-wide management page.

How do I uninstall a PWA from its app window?

1. Open the installed PWA.
2. Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner of the application window.
3. Click Uninstall [App Name].
4. In the confirmation dialog, optionally select the option to also delete the app's data (in Chrome, Also delete data from Chrome), then click Remove.

How do I manage installed PWAs in Microsoft Edge?

1. Open Microsoft Edge.
2. Type edge://apps in the address bar and press Enter.
3. Click Details on the card of the app to manage or uninstall.
4. To remove the app, click Uninstall.
5. Optionally choose to also delete the app's history and data, then click Uninstall to confirm.

How do I manage installed PWAs in Google Chrome?

1. Open Google Chrome.
2. Type chrome://apps in the address bar and press Enter.
3. Right-click any installed PWA and select Remove from Chrome… to uninstall it.

Note: Uninstalling a PWA only removes the application shortcut and locally stored site data. It does not delete the account or any data stored on the website itself. The website can still be accessed in a regular browser tab.